Spain’s women have taken the biggest toward the semi-finals of the Olympic qualifiers out of the European teams over the weekend with two impressive wins.
A 7-0 success on Saturday against Malaysia in Valencia was backed up by a 1-0 victory against Great Britain on Sunday with Patricia Alvarez getting the only goal.
It means a draw or better against Canada will guarantee they top the group while they also have a sizeable goal difference advantage over the chasers.
For GB, they will know what their equation to advance is on Tuesday afternoon when they meet Malaysia, playing their game immediately after the Spain-Canada clash.
In Pool A, Ireland produced a big defensive performance to draw with world number four side Belgium to see them both end the weekend on one point.
Korea lead their group thanks to a three-goal win over Ukraine. Ireland face Ukraine on Monday while Belgium face the Koreans.
On the men’s side in Valencia, Spain and Austria currently occupy the top two places after two rounds of Pool B matches.
The hosts, though, will kick themselves they do not have a full set. A 4-1 win for Spain over the Red Capricorns looked set to be added to by a win over Korea when they built a 2-0 lead in the first 10 minutes via Marc Reyne and Jose Basterra.
But Korea fought back to earn their second successive draw and sit on two points. Austria defeated Egypt 2-0 courtesy of Fülöp Losonci and Josef Winkler, leaving all sorts of permutations for Wednesday’s final group games.
In Pool A, Belgium won 7-0 against Japan with two bursts of three goals bolstering the scoreline in quick-time. Ireland were 5-1 winners over Ukraine, setting up a big battle with the Red Lions on Monday evening.
In Ranchi, Germany were left frustrated they could not snag all three points against Japan as they drew 1-1 in a game they controlled for long periods.
Lisa Nolte poked them into the lead but Japan replied from their only corner – Germany had 14 – to earn the tie. Nonetheless, Germany are top of the group and a draw or better against the winless Czech Republic will see them through to the semis.
In Pool B, USA have made a golden start with wins over hosts India and Italy. The Indians bounced back to beat New Zealand and reignite their semi-final hopes.
Italy – with two losses – are out of contention barring a three-goal win over India and a favour from the US.
The fourth qualifier tournament begins on Monday morning in Oman with Germany facing Canada, New Zealand playing Chile, Malaysia against China and Great Britain playing Pakistan.
Pictures: Frank Uijlenbroek/World Sport Pics
** Every game is available to watch live on the FIH’s Watch.Hockey platform
